VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY: Why I'm optimistic about our nation's future

Friday

Mar 14, 2014 at 2:00 PM

Time certainly flies. The future becomes the present and the present becomes the past ever so quickly. When recalling all that has happened in a year, we realize a great deal has occurred. In the same way, America is continuously in a forward motion. I am optimistic about our nation's future because the values instilled in American hearts enable us to have a confident outlook on challenges, allowing us to improve.

Carley Ryan

Time certainly flies. The future becomes the present and the present becomes the past ever so quickly. When recalling all that has happened in a year, we realize a great deal has occurred. In the same way, America is continuously in a forward motion. I am optimistic about our nation’s future because the values instilled in American hearts enable us to have a confident outlook on challenges, allowing us to improve.

Our Constitution’s preamble says, “Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” What is this “posterity?” Posterity refers to future generations! America’s founders established the Constitution to preside over the country not only for their lifetime, but for future Americans as well.

A little over two centuries ago, America’s forefathers sat in a room, contemplating the future. They wrote the Constitution setting in place rudimentary rights infused in our country today. With these rights, all Americans acquired a remarkable gift: a choice. We the people dictate the government and that aspect of control is what propels this nation ahead of other countries. Thanks to the forefathers, we have righteous values sanctioning us to focus America’s attention on different issues. They assuredly were optimistic about our country’s future because they had laid the sturdy foundation necessary for success.

Similarly, I can be confident in America’s great future, because I possess the ability to influence the path it takes. I will forever be grateful to the prudent founders and am honored to live here along with many other Americans, brought together by a sense of national pride.

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.” Every school day we say the pledge. What is the purpose? To me, it is a promise that we will stand united and preserve the principles of freedom and integrity put forth by our forefathers.

Patriotism, ignited in us at a young age, persists to blossom in our spirit. We are not called the United States of America for nothing. When tragic disasters strike, we the people come together and help each other. When reflecting back on this year, the Boston Marathon bombings stick out in my mind. The lives of Americans were altered forever, but these battle scars remind us to persevere through tough times and keep this wonderful nation going strong. During the bombings, people rushed to aid the victims, saving precious lives. These people, were not only trained EMTs and doctors, they were everyday American citizens. We created the Boston One Fund and gave “Boston Strong” a completely new meaning. Through this tragic event, I saw a glimpse of hope unlike any other and I knew we as a nation are destined for greatness. Not only were we able to recover from this tragedy, but we were able to learn from it as well.

“And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.” We sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key often, but few know the song’s true origin. It was actually a poem about the War of 1812, the Second War for Independence. Through this war, Americans learned the importance of protecting their country.

Valor to view a hardship as a challenge determines a person’s character. Ability to learn from that adversity determines a person’s greatness. The same goes for nations. If we were to let adversity drag us down, there would be no hope for an improved future. However, America has proven over time that we are able to evolve as a nation. Through events like the heart-rending 9/11 attack, America has shown its merit, taking steps to prevent it from happening again. New technology and procedures have since averted other attempts. I am enthusiastic about our nation’s future because America learns from its weaknesses and turns them into strengths, which forms our country’s excellence.

I am optimistic about America’s future because our democracy gives us a choice, a sense of pride and hope, and gives us the ability to rebound and advance as a nation. Constitutional rights empower us to live a life of free thoughts and decisions. If we are discontent with an aspect of our government, we have the option to amend it. Instead of being immobilized by fright, the people of this nation work together to assist one other. This unity was tested and proven by the recent tragedy of the Boston Marathon Bombings. America’s competence to recover and progress was brought out by 9/11. No matter what happens, I can expect a great future for this country.

Carley Ryan is a sophomore at Carver Middle High School. She was awarded first place from her school in this year’s Voice of Democracy essay contest, sponsored by VFW Post 1822.